Alliance Sparks Controversy: Congress-NC Pre-Poll Pact Draws Fire from Gujarat CM

In a bid for power ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, the Congress and National Conference have formed an alliance, prompting criticism from Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Patel accuses Congress of compromising national unity and security. The Election Commission has announced phase-wise elections, starting on September 18.

In the wake of an announced alliance between the Congress and the National Conference ahead of assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has leveled serious allegations against the Congress party. Patel accused Congress of compromising the nation's unity and security in its pursuit of power.

In a video shared on social media platform X on Saturday, Patel said, 'The Congress Party, which is out of power, has once again revealed its intention to play with the unity and security of the country in its greed for power.'

He questioned if Congress supports the NC's election manifesto that includes reinstating Articles 370 and 35A. 'By forming an alliance with the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, the Congress Party has revealed its intentions. The people want to know if Congress supports promises like a separate flag for Jammu and Kashmir and the reinstatement of Articles 370 and 35A, potentially pushing the state back into an era of terrorism,' Patel added.

Union Minister BL Verma echoed these sentiments, arguing the alliance was made for political and personal interests. 'The INDI alliance is mismatched; their ideas and policies don't align. The central government has worked to strengthen the democratic system in Jammu and Kashmir. Rahul Gandhi should clarify his stance on Article 370,' Verma said.

The pre-poll alliance was declared shortly after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge met NC chief Farooq Abdullah. Abdullah stated that the Congress-NC would contest all 90 seats in the assembly polls. 'United we stand,' JKNC posted on X following the announcement.

Farooq Abdullah emphasized unity with allies, including CPM's M.Y. Tarigami. 'The detailed seat-sharing arrangement will be announced later today. The Alliance aims to win and work for the people,' he said. This is the first assembly poll in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370, with elections set for September 18, 25, and October 1, and results on October 4.

(With inputs from agencies.)